Hi all, this is my first post. I'm really glad to have found you all because I'm much better at writing about what's going on in my head than talking about it out loud.
I was diagnosed a week ago and am still finding my feet in this new world. Mine is grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma which is ER and HER2 positive. Waiting on the result of an axilla ultrasound yesterday to find out more. Having surgery on 5th March, then radio then chemo. I say that like I know what any of it means .
But actually, I'm not a diagnosis, I'm a person who has a diagnosis, and the person is always the most important bit, with the cancer being what connects us. So I'm 54, I work in a school as a Business Manager, I'm married with two teens, I have 3 dogs, 4 cats and I live in the middle of a sheep farm. I'm strong minded, determined, I fight for others and I believe in equality, compassion and kindness.
I'm also terrified, shocked and have no idea what to do next. So I'm exploring, researching and making contact with other people who I can hopefully learn from and lean on over the next few weeks, months, years, whatever this turns out to be.
Probably going to add blurting to my new list of skills too now
Hello there. You have joined a lovely community who will share their experiences with you (I am new to this too) In terms of what happens next. Try and take it a day at a time or treatment cycle to treatment cycle. You soon get into the swing of what everything means. If you don’t know make sure you ask one of your nurse team. If somebody is telling you something and you don’t know what it means, ask them to explain it until you do understand. They will never be bothered about that. One thing I have done is to make notes of any questions I have, then when I speak to somebody I go through each one and tick it off. These are any questions which come into my head at any time. Although now I’ve found this forum people are really willing to give you thoughts and views and experiences as well as practical advice and just a virtual hug. Take care and keep sharing your thoughts and worries. We are all with you
Hello, and welcome! You will find lots of lovely people here to chat to and share your experiences with. You are absolutely right everyone is different, but there is always someone here who can add insight into diagnosis and treatment. I had surgery 4 weeks ago and get my results later today. If you click on peoples’ name you can see their profile and connect in that way too. The waiting is the hardest part, once you start treatment you feel more content that all is going to be ok. Remember not to google ( we all do it) .. but try not to as it is often out of date and inaccurate. There are lots of answers here or from your breast care team. Most importantly hold on to the fact breast cancer is highly treatable, although a heck of a roller coaster journey. Wishing your well with your surgery x
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